Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Santa Barbara, CA vs. San Luis Obispo, CA

2024 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs San Luis Obispo, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in San Luis Obispo older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in San Luis Obispo is 13.1 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara?
- San Luis Obispo housing costs are 38.9% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of San Luis Obispo is 2.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Barbara.

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

Things to do in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo, California is located on the Central Coast and offers stunning views of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place to live with its temperate climate, excellent restaurants and unique shops. Every year locals flock to the famous Thursday night Farmer’s Market or to outdoor festivals like the SLO County Fair. For outdoor activities there are plenty of parks and trails plus beaches for surfing and swimming.

 Santa Barbara, CASan Luis Obispo, CAUnited States
 Population89,13247,257329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243$61,862$69,021
 Median Age39.12638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500$932,400$338,100
 Unemployment Rate4.1%5.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.1515.1626.38

View More Data >

Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

   |    Reply

If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara

Reviews for San Luis Obispo    21 Reviews

MY FIANCEE AND I ARE LOOKING TO MOVE TO SLO FOR RETIREMENT ( NEXT MONTH ) WE ARE BOTH ARTISTS AND HOPE OUR TALENT WILL HELP WITH COST OF LIVING IN SLO!!! ANY  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

In almost any season of the year in San Luis Obispo, you’ll find the sun shining and the temperature hitting around 70º at some point in the day. With the temperature  More

   |    Reply

San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas are beautiful, great weather, beaches, farms markets, a downtown area full of some of the best bars and restaurants, wine country,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Luis Obispo

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Santa Barbara, California Cost of Living vs San Luis Obispo, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
93101 93105 93103 93110 93109
ZIPS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
93405 93401

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
Overview
Cost of Living
Job Market
Crime
Climate
Economy
Religion
Voting

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
Overview
Cost of Living
Job Market
Crime
Climate
Economy
Religion
Voting

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now